Is Kyoto Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Kyoto is known for its high standard of safety and tourism-friendly environment. Japanese culture emphasizes respect and consideration for others, creating a very safe atmosphere for travelers. The city is well-maintained, clean, and well-lit, making navigation at any hour safe. While it's always key to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, it is rare to encounter unsafe or uncomfortable situations even when traveling alone here. Furthermore, the local community is generally receptive and helpful to tourists, enhancing the overall safety of your travels.

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 7 experiences from female travelers

4.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.5 /5

Based on 5 experiences from local women

Kyoto is currently ranked #13 safest place in Japan for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Kyoto?

Safety at night:Very safe

Kyoto is regarded as a very safe city to walk alone at night. The streets are well-lit and the crime rate in Kyoto is low compared to many other international cities. Locals are usually helpful and respectful. Nevertheless, as with any place, it's always a good idea to stay vigilant especially in less crowded areas or during the very late hours. But overall, it offers a secure setting for solo female travelers.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Kyoto is known to be safe and reliable. Buses, trains and metros operate within proper schedules and are often very punctual. Crime rates, especially those affecting tourists, are extremely low. As a solo female traveler, you will find that locals are very respectful and helpful. However, as in any country, it is always recommended to maintain normal precautionary measures.

Street harassment:Very low

Kyoto is generally a safe place for solo female travellers when it comes to street harassment. The culture respects personal space and the locals are typically polite and reserved. Instances of verbal or physical harassment are very rare. It is also a city with low crime rates, making it a comfortable and secure destination for women travelling alone. As in all places, it's still recommended to maintain a level of caution and awareness of your surroundings.

Petty crimes:Very low

Kyoto is widely known as one of the safest cities not just in Japan, but in the world. Petty crimes like pick-pocketing, bag-snatching or similar are extremely rare. Local people are generally trustworthy, respectful and helpful. However, as in any city, it's always wise to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Is Kyoto worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 7 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Linda

Taiwan

Group travel

I was traveling Kyoto with my friends(all girls 💅). Kyoto gave me super safe, super beautiful, super chill atmosphere. The hostel room are big, convenient to reach, big bath tub that you can completely rest. The monuments were preserved, kimono experience was great. macha, sushi,ramen, and yakiniku were all tasty🤤. I want to travel again and again！

Posted: May 21, 2025Experienced: December, 2019

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Mariafrancesca

Japan

Solo travel

Kyoto is very safe for traveling alone, also for girls. I wasn’t scared of hanging around also during night time. I recommend to visit all the main temples and shrines in Kyoto because they are worth visiting. The food is amazing!!!

Posted: April 2, 2025

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Duygu

Japan

Solo travel

I feel very safe, but I don't like the food. Tokyo's food is much better than Kyoto's. Kyoto is a very quaint city with not much activity. I am staying in a hostel by myself and haven't had much opportunity to meet anyone. However, the people of Kyoto are nice.

Posted: June 16, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Jessica

United States

Solo travel

Fantastic! Best first solo travel experience. Cheap food, amazing culture, extremely friendly Japanese folks ready to help you out. Many of them speak English too! I never felt unsafe as a petite female.

Posted: June 7, 2024

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Solo travel

Kyoto The city I have always wanted to see. [Even in Kyoto— hearing the cuckoo’s cry— I long for Kyoto] ~ Matsuo Basho's haiku I felt very connected to this city. As an artist, I love quiet and old environments. Unfortunately, the Kyoto I imagined in my head was completely different from the reality. In my mind, Kyoto was a symbol of unforgettable beauty. Don’t get me wrong; I think Kyoto is beautiful, but it feels like an old poem whose words no longer come together, even though they once had meaning. I wish I could have stayed in Kyoto when it was the capital. I want to see houses that were owned by feudal lords long ago. I wish I could feel love under the moon of Kyoto... but this moon felt different. I think the air is different in a place where legends of death remain.

Posted: May 24, 2024Experienced: April, 2024

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Is Kyoto safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Kyoto is a very beautiful city where I found myself very safe. I spent 4 nights and 5 days there. I used to go out at daytime and come back at the dark. I could walk alone in the streets at night time without feeling stressed because my hotel was in the city center full of people and very safe

Posted: April 2, 2025

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Meet locals in Kyoto

Franzi

About Me

hi! I‘m franzi and I‘m an exchange student from Ireland :) I‘ll be in Japan for a year and I‘m trying to travel around Asia during my stay. I’m open to showing you around the little town I call home and meet new people tehee

Speaking

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Nina

About Me

hello! i am french, on exchange at doshisha university for a year. i love japan and asia in general but also the south of france, where i come from (marseille). i am curious and i like meeting people and seeing new cultures!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Kyoto

Anny

Kyoto

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, my name is Anny. I am a dreamy Pisces woman, passionate about adventures, going out to dance, and drinking. I enjoy reading and admiring the moon. I love experiencing new things.

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Upcoming visitors to Kyoto

Maja

About Me

Hi, I'm Maja. I'm currently studying abroad in South Korea and I want to start solo travelling and making friends along the way :)

Speaking

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Matilde

About Me

I’m Matilde and I’m an art student from Italy🇮🇹. Other than traveling I love making videos and photos, indeed my dream job would be working in the film industry🎥. Also I’m attracted to any art form, especially paintings and ceramic. I also love hiking and outdoor activities! I have been playing softball 🥎 for 10 years but I love trying new sports. I particularly like surfing and skating.🏄‍♀️ I’m currently traveling solo for my first time ever! I’ve been in Indonesia for one month and a half and in Vietnam for one month. I’m now traveling in Japan and I can’t wait to discover this country!

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Safety in Japan

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